When we think of maintaining our teeth, preventative dental care habits like brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist typically come to mind. Yet, many lifestyle factors also play a role in our oral wellness, ranging from our eating habits to behaviors like nail biting or playing contact sports. One often overlooked phenomenon that can impact dental health is teeth chattering. If you’ve found yourself shivering this winter, find out how it could affect your teeth below.

What Causes Teeth to Chatter?

When the skin temperature drops below a normal level, the body compensates by rapidly contracting the muscles in an attempt to keep warm. This involuntary reaction is prompted by the hypothalamus, the area of the brain responsible for temperature regulation. The phenomenon takes place all across your body, including the face, which causes muscles to spasm and the teeth to chatter as a result.

In some cases, teeth chattering can also be caused by extreme emotional stress, certain neurological disorders including Tourette’s syndrome and Parkinson’s disease, and some types of medications. Prolonged teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can also cause involuntary spasms in the jaw.

Is It Bad for Your Teeth?

Occasional chattering isn’t likely to be any cause for alarm. For instance, if you spend some days outside this winter and your teeth chatter a handful of times, it’s unlikely to cause any significant damage. Yet, if the issue is caused by bruxism or uncontrollable muscle contractions seen in certain diseases, it warrants treatment from a preventative dental care specialist, since you are likely wearing down dental enamel.

What Can Be Done About It?

Dressing in weather-appropriate layers and limiting your time spent outdoors is an effective way to prevent your body temperature from dropping too low this winter. When chattering is caused by bruxism, however, preventative dental care solutions such as mouthguards may help. Sometimes, patients can also benefit from addressing the root cause of their teeth grinding, such as finding healthy ways to alleviate stress.

If your teeth are chattering even when you aren’t cold or you’re experiencing any other unfamiliar dental symptom, allow the office of King Campbell DDS to help. Serving the Pagosa Springs, CO, community, this dentist’s office offers a wide range of services, including cosmetic and preventative dental care. Explore their up-to-date oral treatments by visiting their website, or call (970) 731-2126 to schedule an appointment.